Vale is cutting 30 non-union support jobs in Sudbury as part of its ongoing effort to reduce costs. The news was contained in a letter Kelly Strong, Vale’s vice-president of Ontario and U.K. operations, sent to employees on Tuesday.

A copy of Strong’s letter was obtained by The Star. In an email statement, Vale said the cuts are necessary, given the weak metals market. “In the face of volatile market conditions and operating cost challenges affecting the broader mining sector, work began last year to reinvent the business model for Vale’s base metals organization,” the company said.

“This review has clearly demonstrated the need to reduce fixed costs. Unfortunately, this includes a reduction in workforce levels, particularly in support and service functions both here in Ontario and around the world.”

In his letter, Strong said the company has been working to reorganize its Ontario operations in an effort to cut costs, but it has not been enough.

“In the spirit of transparency, however, I want to inform you that (Tuesday), we reduced our employee complement in Sudbury by 30 employees in various support and service areas,” Strong said in the letter.

“Some of these employees reported through areas within our Ontario operations; others reported through brownfield exploration and the projects group, under the leadership of Conor Spollen in our Toronto office. Similar adjustments are being made within the affected functions in other jurisdictions.

“Respective managers met with affected employees (Tuesday) morning to have these difficult conversations. Transitional support is being provided to those departing our organization.”